subject: Toronto Career Counseling For Immigrant Professionals [print this page] In a study conducted by a non-profit Toronto career counseling service, approximately 75% of employers in the Toronto area believe that their companies have successful programs aimed at the smooth integration of immigrant professionals into their workplaces. In contrast, only 49% of immigrant professionals say that their workplaces have effective policies in this regard.
Issues Faced By Immigrants
The discrepancy between the two sectors highlights an issue in the Canadian job market while Canadian employers recognize the value of diversity in their recruitment and employment practices, the policies lack the necessary bite to make the desired difference in the workplace. Many employers are perceived to be lacking in resources to address the differences in culture, among other aspects of immigrant integration, which immigrant workers encounter when entering the mainstream job market in the country.
The same study made by the non-profit Toronto career counseling service also highlighted the clamor among immigrant workers for Canadian employers to establish orientation workshops and the like. These can include new-hire orientation, language instruction and workplace diversity training. All of these should be designed in such a way as to facilitate career success among the immigrant professionals while in the Canadian job market.
Yes, immigrant professionals recognize that the ultimate responsibility for their career success lies with them but it is also important for Canadian employers to lay out the welcome mat for these new workers and embrace them into their new position and working environment. Together, the two sectors can make diversity work for, instead of against, the Canadian economy, as well as making a safe comfortable working environment for all employees .
In a Toronto career counseling program geared toward immigrant professionals, several common issues come out again and again. Said issues include culture shock, language barriers especially when relocating to a French-speaking part of the country, and differences in values, attitudes and beliefs. Many immigrants are also at risk for various mental health issues resulting from loss of familial and social support, loss of economic property and social status, and a deep sense of loneliness and displacement.
With these personal issues in place, the probability of career success is also lowered. This is because the individual develops a poor sense of self-confidence and self-esteem that, in turn, hinders his ability to be competitive in the job market. With all of these issues faced, the importance of encouraging immigrant professionals to enroll in a Toronto career counseling program cannot be overemphasized.
